Image registration system

ABSTRACT

An image registration server which can communicate with a client device, includes an image data receiving device for receiving image data transmitted from the client device, an image data generation device for generating image data representing the same image as an image represented by the image data received by the image data receiving device and having a different form of representation therefrom, and an image data storage device for storing the image data generated by the image data generation device so as to be accessible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/438,039, filed Feb. 21, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/935,359, filed on Jul. 3, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,600,862, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/163,560, filed on Jun. 17, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,670,636, whichis a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/872,008, filed on Jun.4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,965,906, which claims priority to JapaneseApplication No. JP 2000-167812, filed Jun. 5, 2000, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present invention relates to an image registration system, an imageregistration server, and an image transmission server, and an imageregistering method and an image transmitting method.

Description of Related Art

Systems for uploading image data into image servers through networkshave been constructed. In such a system, when an image server isaccessed by a personal computer, image data uploaded in the image serveris downloaded into the personal computer. An image represented by thedownloaded image data is displayed on a display device in the personalcomputer.

Technical innovation has allowed client computers other than thepersonal computers to access the image server. It has been possible todisplay an image represented by the image data downloaded from the imageserver on a display device in each type of client computer. For example,a portable telephone set, a portable information terminal, or the likecan access the image server.

If a device to which a display device having a relatively large screencan be connected accesses the image server, for example, a personalcomputer, the device is not very unhandy to read an image represented byimage data downloaded from the image server even if the size of theimage is relatively large.

If a device which accesses the image server has a relatively smalldisplay screen, for example, a portable telephone set or a portableinformation terminal, an image represented by image data transmittedfrom the image server is relatively larger than the display screen.Accordingly, the image is difficult to see.

Therefore, it is also considered that when the client computer accessesthe image server, processing for reducing image data is performed in theimage server such that the image data represents an image of a sizesuitable for a display screen of a display device in the client computereach time the access is made.

Since the processing for reducing the image data is started when theclient computer accesses the image server, however, time is requireduntil the transmission of the reduced image data to the client computerfrom the image server is started. It takes a relatively long time untilan image is displayed on the display device in the client computer. Evenif the image server is accessed, the image cannot, in some cases, bequickly displayed.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to display an image suitable for adevice which has accessed a server relatively quickly.

An image registration system according to the present inventioncomprises a first client device and a server which can communicate witheach other.

The first client device comprises first image data transmission meansfor transmitting to the server image data to be registered.

The server comprises image data receiving means for receiving the imagedata transmitted from the first image data transmission means in thefirst client device, image data generation means for generating imagedata representing the same image as an image represented by the imagedata received by the image data receiving means and having a differentform of representation therefrom, and image data storage means forstoring the image data generated by the image data generation means soas to be accessible.

According to the present invention, the image data to be registered inthe server is transmitted to the server from the first client device.

In the server, the image data transmitted from the first client deviceis received. Consequently, the image data representing the same image asthe image represented by the received image data and having a differentform of representation therefrom is generated. The generated image datais stored in the server.

Images representing the same image and having different forms ofrepresentation mean images representing the same image but differing incolor, size, resolution, and a trimming method, the presence or absenceof special processing, and so forth. Respective formats for representingthe images may differ. Judgment whether or not the images are the sameimages may be made by judging whether or not they are consideredsubstantially the same. For example, images representing respectiveparts of the images can be considered as the same image if they areconsidered substantially the same.

According to the present invention, the image data representing the sameimage as the image represented by the image data transmitted from thefirst client device and having a different form of representationtherefrom is stored in the server. Therefore, image data suitable foroutput (display, printing, etc.) of an output device in the secondclient device which accesses the server can be transmitted to the secondclient device from the server. When the second client device accessesthe server, the image data suitable for the output of the output devicein the second client device is not generated each time the access ismade but previously generated. Accordingly, the image data suitable forthe output of the output device in the second client device can beimmediately transmitted to the second client device. An imagerepresented by the image data can be outputted quickly from the outputdevice in the second client device.

When the server and a second client device can communicate with eachother, the image data generation means in the server previouslygenerates image data representing an image which can be outputted by thesecond client device (for example, the image data is generated beforethe second client device accesses the server).

For example, the second client device comprises request datatransmission means for transmitting to the server request datarepresenting a request to transmit the image data stored in the imagedata storage means.

In this case, the server further comprises request data receiving meansfor receiving the request data transmitted from the request datatransmission means in the second client device, image data retrievalmeans responsive to the request data received by the request datareceiving means for finding from the image data storage means the imagedata suitable for image output by the second client device which hastransmitted the request data out of the image data stored in the imagedata storage means in the server, and second image data transmissionmeans for transmitting to the second client device the image data foundby the image data retrieval means.

When the request data transmitted from the second client device isreceived in the server, the image data suitable for the image output bythe second client device which has transmitted the request data out ofthe image data stored in the server is found in response to the requestdata. The found image data is transmitted to the second client devicefrom the server.

The image data suitable for the output is transmitted to the secondclient device.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the imagerepresented by the image data transmitted to the output device in thesecond client device cannot be outputted. It is preferable that theserver further comprises number-of-requests counting means forincrementing the number of transmission requests issued by the secondclient device in response to the fact that the request data has beenreceived by the request data receiving means.

In this case, the image data generation means in the server may generateimage data representing the image represented by the image data receivedby the image data receiving means in the server and suitable for theimage output by the second client device in response to the fact thatthe counted number by the number-of-requests counting means has reacheda predetermined number.

The image data representing the image suitable for the output of thesecond client device which accesses the server may not, in some cases,be stored in the server. It is also considered that when the server isaccessed by the second client device in which the image datarepresenting the image suitable for the output is not stored, the imagedata suitable for the output of the second client device which hasaccessed the server is generated each time the access is made. However,this extremely increases the amount of the image data stored in theimage server.

The number of requests is counted, and the image data representing theimage suitable for the output of the second client device is generatedwhen the number of requests reaches the predetermined number.Consequently, it is possible to prevent the amount of the image datawhich should be stored in the server from being too increased.

When the number of requests reaches the predetermined number, the imagedata is generated. Consequently, the image data suitable for the secondclient device which accesses the server a large number of times can begenerated. The image data suitable for the second client device whichaccesses the server a small number of times may not be generated.

The server comprises a first server and a second server which cancommunicate with the second client device, for example. The first servercomprises the image data receiving means and the request data receivingmeans, and the second server comprises the image data generation means,the image data storage means, and the second image data transmissionmeans.

The server comprises a first server which can communicate with thesecond client device and a second server which can communicate with thefirst server. The first server comprises the image data receiving means,the request data receiving means, and the second image data transmissionmeans, and the second server comprises the image data generation means,the image data storage means, and the image data retrieval means.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent 1 invention will become more apparent from the followingdetailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the outline of an image registration system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of animage registration/transmission server;

FIG. 3 illustrates a support information table;

FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of an image folder stored in an imagedatabase;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an original image;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an image generated from the originalimage;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an image generated from the originalimage;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an image generated from the originalimage;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an image generated from the originalimage;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of apersonal computer;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of aportable telephone set;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure for image registrationprocessing;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the procedure for image generationprocessing in a server;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for image generationprocessing in the server;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing image acquisition processing;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing client code acquisition processing inthe server;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing image acquisition processing in theserver;

FIG. 18 is an example of a window displayed on a personal computer;

FIG. 19 is an example of a window displayed on the personal computer;

FIG. 20 is an example of a window displayed on the personal computer;

FIG. 21 is an example of a window displayed on the personal computer;

FIG. 22 is an example of a window displayed on a portable telephone set;

FIG. 23 is an example of a window displayed on the portable telephoneset;

FIG. 24 is an example of a window displayed on the portable telephoneset;

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a support information table;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing image acquisition processing in theserver;

FIG. 27 illustrates the outline of an image registration systemaccording to another embodiment; and

FIG. 28 illustrates the outline of an image registration systemaccording to still another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the outline of an image registration system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

The image registration system according to the present embodimentcomprises an image registration client device, an imageregistration/transmission server IO, and an image acquisition clientdevice. An image database 25 storing image data is connected to theimage registration/transmission server 10.

The image registration client device transmits image data representingall image to the image registration/transmission server 10. The imageacquisition client device issues a request to transmit the image datastored in the image database 25 connected to the imageregistration/transmission server 10 and receives the image datatransmitted in response to the request. The imageregistration/transmission server 10 performs processing for receivingthe image data transmitted from the image registration client device andstoring the received image data and processing for transmitting theimage data stored in the image database 25 to the image acquisitionclient device in response to the request from the image acquisitionclient device.

Both the image registration client device and the image acquisitionclient device may be ones which can communicate with the imageregistration/transmission server 10. Examples of the image registrationclient device include a device comprising a personal computer 1A and amodem 1B and a device comprising a digital camera 2A and a portabletelephone set 2B. For example, image data stored in the personalcomputer 1A is transmitted to the image registration/transmission server10 through the modem I B. On the other hand, data representing an imagepicked up using the digital camera 2A is transmitted to the imageregistration/transmission server 10 from the portable telephone set 2B.

Examples of the image acquisition client device include a devicecomprising a modem 31A and a personal computer 31B, a device comprisinga portable telephone set 32, a device comprising a modem 33A, a printserver 33B and a printer 33C, and a device comprising a modem 34A, afacsimile conversion server 34B and a facsimile machine 34C. The imageacquisition client device and the image registration/transmission server10 are connected to each other by the modem 31A, 33A, 34A, or theportable telephone set 32 in which image data transmitted from the imageregistration/transmission server 10 is received.

In the image registration system according to the present embodiment,when the image data is transmitted from the image registration clientdevice, the transmitted image data (original image data) is stored, andimage data representing substantially the same image as an imagerepresented by the original image data and differing in the typetherefrom (e.g., reduced image data) is generated in the imageregistration/transmission server 10. The image data thus generated issuitable for output (display, printing, etc.) in the image acquisitionclient device. Therefore, the image can be displayed without performingprocessing for reducing the image data and so on in the imageacquisition client device. Further, the image data which can beoutputted in the image acquisition client device is generated, so thatsuch a problem can be prevented that color image data is transmitted andthe color image cannot be displayed in the image acquisition clientdevice which can output only gray level image.

Particularly, the image data is not generated when the image acquisitionclient device accesses the image registration/transmission server 10 butpreviously generated.

The image data suitable for the output of the image acquisition clientdevice can be quickly transmitted to the image acquisition clientdevice.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of theimage registration/transmission server 10.

The overall operation of the image registration/transmission server 10is supervised by a CPU 12.

The image registration/transmission server 10 comprises a communicationdevice 11 for communicating with the image registration client deviceand the image acquisition client device, a RAM 13 for temporarilystoring data, a hard disk (HD) 14, a hard disk drive 15 for accessingthe hard disk 14, and a bus controller 16.

Furthermore, the image registration/communication server 10 comprises amonitor display device 18 for displaying an image, a display controller17 for controlling the display of the image on the monitor displaydevice 18, an external storage 20 storing the above-mentioned imagedatabase 25, a printer 21 for printing the image and other information,an VO controller 19 for controlling the external storage 20 and theprinter 21, a keyboard 23 and a mouse 24 for entering a command or thelike, and a n input controller 22 for controlling the keyboard 23 andthe mouse 24.

FIG. 3 illustrates a support information table.

The support information table stores information including supportinformation for indicating whether or not image data representing animage suitable for output by the image acquisition client device whichaccesses the image registration/transmission server 10 is stored in theimage registration/transmission server 10, and other information.

The following information are stored in the support information table.

Client Code Information:

A client code is for identifying the image acquisition client device andinherent in the image acquisition client device.

Access Device Information:

An access device information indicates the type of the client devicewhich accesses the image registration/transmission server 10. Examplesinclude a personal computer (PC), a portable terminal (including aportable information terminal or a portable telephone set), a printserver (a printer), and a facsimile conversion server (a facsimilemachine).

System Information:

Client devices of the same type may, in some cases, differ in the system(or form or method). When the client devices are personal computers, forexample, they may differ in OS (Operating System). When the clientdevices are portable telephone sets, they may differ in carriers. Thesystem information thus indicates the system of the client device.

Type Information:

When the client devices are personal computers, for example, they maydiffer in the type of browser even if they are the same in OS. Printerswhich are the same in the system may, in some cases, differ in the type.This shall be type information.

Header 1 Information and Header 2 Information

The information specify the above-mentioned type, and correspond toheader information included in a client header transmitted to the imageregistration/transmission server 10 from the image acquisition clientdevice.

Support Information:

The information indicates whether or not image data suitable for theoutput in the image acquisition client device which accesses the imageregistration/transmission server 10 10 is stored in the image database25. “Presence” is set when the suitable image data is stored in theimage database 25, while “Absence” is set when the suitable image datais not stored in the image database 25.

Output Type Information:

The information indicates which of a display device and paper (printer)outputs an image in the image acquisition client device, that is,information about a medium on which an image appears.

Output Size Information:

The information indicates the size of an image outputted in the imageacquisition client device.

Trimming Information:

The information indicates a method of trimming an image outputted in theimage acquisition client device, and indicates either one ofcircumscription processing (processing for cutting a peripheral portionof an image in conformity with a frame (for example, paper whose size isdetermined)) or inscription processing (processing for outputting thewhole of an image without changing the aspect ratio of the image).

Output Resolution Information:

The information indicates the resolution of an image outputted in theimage acquisition client device.

Color Mode Information:

The information indicates the color mode of an image outputted in theimage acquisition client device. There are modes in colors such as RGB(red, green, blue), B/W (a binary value of black and white), gray(having four gray scales), and CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow).

Color Depth Information:

The information indicates the gray scale of an image outputted in theimage acquisition client device.

Gamma Correction Information:

The information is for judging whether or not a generated image issubjected to gamma correction and specifying, if it must be subjected togamma correction, the type of the gamma correction.

Dither Processing Information:

The information indicates whether or not a generated image must besubjected to dither processing. “YES” is described when ditherprocessing must be performed, and “NO” is described when ditherprocessing need not be performed.

Image Format Information:

The information indicates the format of image data representing agenerated image.

Such a support information table is stored in the hard disk 14 for theimage registration/transmission server 10. The image acquisition clientdevice which accesses the image registration/transmission server 10transmits the client header including the header information to theimage registration/transmission server 10. The client code inherent inthe image acquisition client device is found on the basis of the clientheader transmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10.Consequently, it is found what image data should be transmitted to theimage acquisition client device on the basis of the client code.

FIG. 4 illustrates the directory structure of the image database 25.

An original holder (an original) stores original image data (an originalimage file) transmitted from the image registration client device.

In the image database 25, holders respectively corresponding to clientcodes are formed in addition to the original holder. The holdersrespectively store image data specified by the corresponding clientcodes (also store thumbnail image data or card image data, if required).

FIGS. 5 to 9 illustrate examples of an image represented by image datastored in the holder, as described above.

FIG. 5 is an example of an original image, which has an image size of1200 pixels by 1200 pixels. The original image is an RGB color image,and has a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) image format.Original image data representing the original image is transmitted fromthe image registration client device and therefore, is stored in theoriginal holder.

FIG. 6 is an example of an image represented by image data suitable foran image acquisition client device specified by a client code PC 11. Theimage has an image size of 600 pixels by 600 pixels, is an RGB colorimage, has a format 1 (a JPEG inlage format), and is subjected toinscription trimming processing.

FIG. 7 is an example of an image represented by image data suitable foran image acquisition client device specified by a client code PT31. Theimage has an image size of 64 pixels by 64 pixels, is subjected todither processing, has a format 2 (a PNG (Portable Network Graphics)image format), and is subjected to inscription trimming processing.

FIG. 8 is an example of an image represented by image data suitable foran image acquisition client device specified by a client code PS21. Theimage has an image size of 1240 pixels by 1754 pixels, is a CMY colorimage, has a format 1 (a JPEG image format), and is subjected tocircumscription trimming processing.

FIG. 9 is an example of an image represented by image data suitable foran image acquisition client device specified by a client code FSOO. Theimage has an image size of 1488 pixels by 2105 pixels, is a gray levelimage which is not subjected to dither processing, has a format 6 (aTIFF (Tag Image File Format) format), and is subjected tocircumscription trimming processing.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of thepersonal computer 31B constituting the image acquisition client device.

In FIG. 10, the modem 31A is also connected to the personal computer31B.

The overall operation of the personal computer 31B is supervised by acontroller 41

The personal computer 31B comprises a RAM 42 for temporarily storingdata, a hard disk drive 43 for accessing a hard disk, and a buscontroller 44. The personal computer 31B further comprises a monitordisplay device 46 for displaying an image, an output controller 45 forcontrolling the display of the image on the monitor display device 46,an external storage 48, an I/O controller 47 for controlling theexternal storage 48, a keyboard 50, a mouse 51, and an input controller49 for controlling the keyboard 50 and the mouse 51.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of theportable telephone set 32 which is an example of the image acquisitionclient device.

The overall operation of the portable telephone set 32 is supervised bya controller 65.

A key entry signal from a key entry section 66 including a ten-key padof the portable telephone set 32 is inputted to the controller 65.

Voice inputted to a microphone 72 is outputted from the microphone 72 asan audio signal, and the audio signal is fed to a modulation circuit 71.The audio signal is modulated in the modulation circuit 71, and themodulated audio signal is converted into digital audio data in ananalog-to-digital conversion circuit 70. The digital audio data istransmitted to a network by an antenna 61 through the controller 65 anda transmission circuit 62. The audio data is transmitted to anothercommunication device, for example, a portable telephone set through thenetwork.

The audio data transmitted to the portable telephone set 32 through thenetwork is received by the antenna 61 and is inputted to thetransmission circuit 62. The audio data is inputted to adigital-to-analog conversion circuit 67 through the controller 65, andis converted into an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal is fedto a demodulation circuit 68, and is demodulated therein. Thedemodulated audio signal is fed to a speaker 69, and voice is outputtedfrom the speaker 69.

The portable telephone set 32 shown in FIG. 11 can also receive imagedata. The image data is received by the antenna 61, and the receivedimage data is fed to a memory 64 through the transmission circuit 62.The image data is temporarily stored in the memory 64. The image datastored in the memory 64 is fed to a display device 63, so that an imagerepresented by the received image data is displayed on a display screenof the display device 63.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing fortransmitting image data to the image registration/transmission server 10by the image registration client device and registering (storing in theimage database 25) the transmitted image data in the imageregistration/transmission server 10.

In the image registration client device, an image to be transmitted tothe image registration/transmission server 10 is selected (step 81).Image data representing the selected image is transmitted to the imageregistration/transmission server 10 from the image registration clientdevice.

If the image registration client device comprises the personal computer1A and the modem 1B, for example, image data to be transmitted to theimage registration/transmission server 10 is selected out of image datastored in the personal computer 1A, and the selected image data istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 from themodem D3. If the image registration client device comprises the digitalcamera 2A and the portable telephone set 2B, image data to betransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 is selectedout of image data stored in the digital camera 2A. The selected imagedata is transmitted to the portable telephone set 2B from the digitalcamera 2A, and is transmitted to the image registration/transmissionserver 10 by the portable telephone set 2B.

In the communication device 11 in the image registration/transmissionserver 10, the image data transmitted from the image registration clientdevice is received (step 91).

Consequently, the received image data is recorded (stored) on theexternal storage 20 (the image database 25) as original image data bythe VO controller 19 in the image registration/transmission server 10(step 92) (the image is stored). When the original image data is storedin the image database 25, output image data suitable for image output inthe image acquisition client device is generated from the original imagedata (step 93).

When the output image data is generated, and is stored in the imagedatabase 25, data indicating that processing is terminated istransmitted to the image registration client device from the imageregistration/transmission server 10 (step 94).

The data indicating that processing is terminated, which has beentransmitted from the image registration/transmission server 10, isreceived in the image registration client device (step 82), thetermination of processing is displayed on the display device in theimage registration client device (step 83). Consequently, processing forregistering the image data in the image registration/transmission server10 by the image registration client device is terminated.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flow charts showing the procedure for processing forgenerating an output image in the image registration/transmission server10 (the processing at the step 93 in FIG. 12).

Processing at the steps 102 to 112 is repeated in order to generateimage data suitable for output in an image acquisition client devicespecified by a client code corresponding to the support information setto “Presence” in the support information table, as described above(steps 101 and 113).

It is first judged whether or not the type of output (output type) ispaper (step 102). If it is paper (YES at step 102), the size of an image(an output size) is calculated from the size of the paper to beoutputted and the output resolution (step 103). If the output type isnot paper (NO at step 102), the processing at the step 103 is skipped.

Then referring to the trimming information, it is checked whether thetrimming processing is circumscription or inscription (step 104). If itis inscription (YES at step 104), inscription trimming processing isperformed depending on the output size (step 10 105A). If it iscircumscription (NO at step 104), circumscription trimming processing isperformed depending on the output size (specifically, in conformity withthe size of the paper) (step 105B).

Re-sampling processing is then performed such that the output size isreached (step 106).

Referring to the gamma correction information, it is checked whether ornot gamma correction is required (step 107). If the gamma correction isrequired (YES at step 107), designated gamma correction processing isperformed (step 108).

Further referring to the dither processing information, it is checkedwhether or not dither processing must be performed (step 109). If thedither processing must be performed (YES at step 109), color conversionprocessing including the dither processing is performed depending on thecolor mode and the color depth (step 110). If the dither processing neednot be performed (NO step 109), the color conversion processing isperformed depending on the color mode and the color depth, but thedither processing is not performed (step 111).

Thereafter referring to the image format information, image data isconverted into a format designated by the image format information (step112). It goes without saying that the gamma correction, the ditherprocessing, the format conversion, and so forth are performed by the CPU12.

The image data thus generated is stored in a holder designated by acorresponding client code, and is stored in the image database 25. Imagedata representing a thumbnail image (a full color, a JPEG format, and 80pixels by 80 pixels) and image data representing a card image (a fullcolor, a JPEG format, and 300 pixels by 300 pixels) are also generated,and stored in a holder designated by a client code corresponding to a PC(Personal Computer) serving as an access device. It goes without sayingthat the thumbnail image data and the card image data are generated bythe CPU 12 through thinning processing.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing for theimage acquisition client device acquiring image data stored in the imagedatabase 25 connected to the image registration/transmission server 10(downloading image data).

The image acquisition client device shall access the imageregistration/transmission server 10, and the image acquisition clientdevice and the image registration/transmission server 10 shall beconnected to each other.

In the image acquisition client device, a desired image is selected outof images represented by image data stored in the image database 25(step 121). Of course, a user of the image acquisition client deviceshall know the contents of the images represented by the image datastored in the image database 25 in advance. The user of the imageacquisition client device can select the desired image by performingimage retrieval processing in the image registration/transmission server10, as described later, even when he or she does not know the contentsof the images represented by the image data stored in the image database25 in advance.

When the desired image is selected, data representing a request totransmit the image, data for identifying the image (normally, a filename), and a client header of the image acquisition client device(inherent data for identifying the image acquisition client device) aretransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 from theimage acquisition client device (step 122).

In the image registration/transmission server 10, the data representingthe request to transmit the image, the data for identifying the image,and the client header transmitted from the image acquisition clientdevice are received (step 131). A client code for specifying the imageacquisition client device is acquired from the support information tableon the basis of the received client header (step 132). The processingfor acquiring the client code will be described in detail later.

When the client code is found, the support information in the supportinformation table is acquired, to judge the presence or absence of thesupport information corresponding to the acquired client code (step133).

When the acquired support information indicates “Presence” (YES at step134), the image data of the holder specified by the acquired client codeout of the image data stored in the image database 25 is acquired fromthe image database 25 (step 136). The processing for acquiring the imagedata will be described in detail later. When the image data is acquiredfrom the image database 25, the acquired image data is transmitted tothe image acquisition client device from the imageregistration/transmission server 10 (step 137).

The image data transmitted from the image registration/transmissionserver 10 is received in the image acquisition client device (step 125).An image represented by the received image data is outputted from theimage acquisition client device. If the image acquisition client devicecomprises a display device (for example, a personal computer, a portabletelephone set, etc.), the image represented by the received image datais displayed on the display device. If the image acquisition clientdevice comprises a printing device (for example, a printer, a facsimile,etc.), the image is printed by the printing device. The image datatransmitted from the image registration/transmission server 10 issuitable for image output in the image acquisition client device,thereby eliminating the necessity of processing for the image output inthe image acquisition client device. In either case, when the output ofthe image is terminated, the termination of the processing is displayedon the image acquisition client device (step 126).

In the image registration/transmission server 10, the supportinformation corresponding to the client code specifying the imageacquisition client device which has issued a request to transmit imagedata indicates “Absence” (NO at step 134), data representing non-supportis transmitted to the image acquisition client device from the imageregistration/transmission server 10 (step 135). Of course, originalimage data corresponding to the image whose transmission is requested,data representing a white point of an original image represented by theoriginal image data, and so forth may be transmitted to the imageacquisition client device.

In the image acquisition client device, when data representingnon-support, which has been transmitted from the imageregistration/transmission server 10, is received (YES at step 123), thereceiving of the data representing non-support is displayed on thedisplay device in the image acquisition client device (step 124).

Thereafter, the termination of the processing is displayed (step 126).

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing processing for acquiring a client codein the image registration/transmission server 10 (the processing at step132 in FIG. 15).

The client header transmitted from the image acquisition client deviceincludes a header 1 and a header 2. The header 1 included in the clientheader transmitted from the image acquisition client device and theheader 1 included in the support information table are compared witheach other (step 141). When the comparison indicates that the header 1included in the header transmitted from the image acquisition clientdevice is included in the support information table (YES at step 142),the system of the image acquisition client device is determined (step143).

The header 2 included in the client header and the header 2 in thesupport information table are then compared with each other. When thecomparison indicates that the header 2 included in the client headertransmitted from the image acquisition client device is included in thesupport information table (YES at step 144), the type of the imageacquisition client device is determined. When the type is determined,the client code inherent in the image acquisition client device is alsodetermined (step 145).

When the header 1 included in the client header is stored in the supportinformation table, but the header 2 is not stored in the supportinformation table (NO at step 144), the type is determined as “Standard”(step 148). A corresponding client code is determined.

Unless the header 1 included in the client header is included in thesupport information table (NO at step 142), it is confirmed whether ornot the header 2 included in the client header is included in thesupport information table (step 146). When the header 2 included in theclient header is included in the support information table (YES at step146), the access device is determined by the header 2. Further, theheader 1 included in the client header is not stored in the supportinformation table, so that the system is determined to be “Standard”(step 147). A corresponding client code is determined.

If neither of the header 1 and the header 2 which are included in theclient header is included in the support information table (NO at steps142 and 146), the access device is determined to be “Standard” (step149). Consequently, a client code is “DFOO”.

When the header 1 included in the client header is “Bamboo2.0” (2.0 is aversion), and the header 2 included therein is “BB98” (98 is a version),for example, it is found from the header 1 that the system of the imageacquisition client device is determined by “OS-1”. Further, it is foundfrom the header 2 that the type of the image acquisition client deviceis “browser-b”. The foregoing shows that the client code, specifying theimage acquisition client device, corresponding to the header 1“Banboo2.0” and the header 2 “BB98” which are included in the clientheader is “PC22”.

When the header I included in the client header is “NewK-Style”, and theheader 2 included therein is “C501K”, the header 1 is not included inthe support information table. Accordingly, the system is not found fromthe header 1. It is found from the header 2 that the image acquisitionclient device is a portable terminal. The type is considered to be“Standard” because it is not found. From the foregoing, the client code,specifying the image acquisition client device, corresponding to theheader 1 “Newk-Style” and the header 2 “C501K” which are included in theclient header is determined to be “PTOO”.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the procedure for image acquisitionprocessing in the image registration/transmission server 10 (processingat step 136 in FIG. 15).

When the client code for specifying the image acquisition client deviceis determined in the above-mentioned manner, an image formatcorresponding to the client code is acquired from the supportinformation table (step 151). A holder corresponding to the client codeis found from the image database 25. Image data having an image formatcorresponding to the acquired image format out of image data stored inthe found holder is acquired (step 152).

If the support information indicates “Presence”, the image data thusacquired is transmitted to the image acquisition client device from theimage registration/transmission server 10 in the above-mentioned manner.

In either case, the image data suitable for the image acquisition clientdevice which has accessed the image registration/transmission server 10out of the image data stored in the image database 25 is transmitted tothe image acquisition client device from the imageregistration/transmission server 10. Instead of generating image datasuitable for the image acquisition client device and transmitting thegenerated image data to the image acquisition client device when theimage acquisition client device accesses the imageregistration/transmission server 10, image data suitable for a pluralityof image acquisition client devices are previously generated, the imagedata suitable for the image acquisition client device out of the imagedata is transmitted to the image acquisition client device from theimage registration/transmission server 10. Accordingly, the image datasuitable for the image acquisition client device can be quicklytransmitted to the image acquisition client device from the imageregistration/transmission server 10.

FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate, in a case where the image acquisition clientdevice is the modem 31A and the personal computer 31B, an example of awindow displayed on a display screen of a display device in the personalcomputer 31B.

When the personal computer 31B accesses the imageregistration/transmission server 10 using the modem 31A, an initialwindow W11 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display screen of thedisplay device 46 in the personal computer 31B. The initial window W11includes the following areas (buttons).

Service Content Display Area A11:

Contents relating to a service provided for the image acquisition clientdevice by the image registration/transmission server 10 are displayedthereon. When a sentence or the like displayed on the area is clicked, atransmission command indicating the contents of the sentence istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10. Datacorresponding to the transmission command is transmitted to the imageregistration client device from the image registration/transmissionserver 10, so that a new window is 15 displayed.

Keyword Retrieval Area A12: representing the selected group keyword istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 from theimage acquisition client device. In the image registration/transmissionserver 10, image data is retrieved in accordance with the group keyword.

Image Registrant Input Area A14:

A handle name of a user is entered thereinto when the image data istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10, asdescribed above.

Print Order Area A15:

The area is for giving a print order command A window for orderingprints is displayed by clicking the area.

In the initial window W11, a keyword shall be entered into the keywordretrieval area A12. Consequently, data representing the keyword istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 from theimage acquisition client device, as described above, where image dataretrieval processing is performed. As a result of the retrieval, thefound image data shall be transmitted to the image acquisition clientdevice from the image registration/transmission server 10. Consequently,a retrieval result list window W12 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed onthe display screen of the display device 46 in the personal computer31B.

The retrieval result list window W12 includes the following areas. Theretrieval result list window W12 is obtained by the keyword retrieval.When the group retrieval processing is performed, another retrievalresult list window is displayed.

Retrieval Result Display Table A21:

The table includes a thumbnail image(s) obtained as a result ofretrieval (an area A22), the title of the thumbnail image, a categoryincluding the thumbnail image, and a handle name of a user (contributor)which has transmitted an original image of the thumbnail image to theimage registration/transmission server 10. It goes without saying thatthe thumbnail image displayed on the area A22 originates from the imagedata which

A keyword for retrieving image data stored in the image database 25 isentered thereinto. When an image retrieval area under the keywordretrieval area A12 is clicked after the keyword is entered into thekeyword retrieval area A12, data representing the entered keyword istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 from theimage acquisition client device. In the image registration/transmissionserver 10, image data corresponding to the keyword is retrieved.

Group Retrieval Area A13:

In a case where images are divided into groups, a group keyword isentered therein to when the group is designated to retrieve image data.When the group retrieval area A13 is pulled down, group keywords appear,and the desired group keyword is selected. When an image retrieval areaunder the group retrieval area A13 is clicked, data representing theselected group keyword is transmitted to the imageregistration/transmission server 10 from the image acquisition clientdevice. In the image registration/transmission server 10, image data isretrieved in accordance with the group keyword.

Image Registrant Input Area A14:

A handle name of a user is entered thereinto when the image data istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10, asdescribed above.

Print Order Area A15:

The area is for giving a print order command A window for orderingprints is displayed by clicking the area.

In the initial window W11, a keyword shall be entered into the keywordretrieval area A12. Consequently, data representing the keyword istransmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10 from theimage acquisition client device, as described above, where image dataretrieval processing is performed. As a result of the retrieval, thefound image data shall be transmitted to the image acquisition clientdevice from the image registration/transmission server 10. Consequently,a retrieval result list window W12 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed onthe display screen of the display device 46 in the personal computer31B.

The retrieval result list window W12 includes the following areas. Theretrieval result list window W12 is obtained by the keyword retrieval.When the group retrieval processing is performed, another retrievalresult list window is displayed.

Retrieval Result Display Table A21:

The table includes a thumbnail image(s) obtained as a result ofretrieval (an area A22), the title of the thumbnail image, a categoryincluding the thumbnail image, and a handle name of a user (contributor)which has transmitted an original image of the thumbnail image to theimage registration/transmission server 10. It goes without saying thatthe thumbnail image displayed on the area A22 originates from the imagedata which represents the thumbnail image and is suitable for display onthe image acquisition client device which has accessed the imageregistration/transmission server 10 and is read out of the imagedatabase 25, as described above, and is transmitted to the imageacquisition client device. When the thumbnail image included in thethumbnail image area A22 is clicked, a card image display window fordisplaying a card image a size larger than the thumbnail image isdisplayed.

Frame Feed/Frame Return Button A23:

The button includes a fast return button A23 a for issuing a command toreturn a plurality of frames of the thumbnail images displayed on theretrieval result display table A21 at a time, a frame return button A23b for issuing a command to return one frame of the thumbnail image, aframe feed button A23 c for issuing a command to feed one frame of thethumbnail image, and a fast feed button A23 d for issuing a command tofeed a plurality of frames of the thumbnail images at a time.

Return Button A24:

The button is clicked by the user at the time of return from theretrieval result list window W12 to the previous window W11.

Print Order Button A25:

The button is clicked when prints of an original image corresponding tothe thumbnail image displayed on the retrieval result display table A21are ordered. When the button A25 is clicked, a print order window isdisplayed. The prints are ordered in accordance with the window.

Help Button A26:

The button is clicked by the user when an operating method is not found.

Log-Off Button A27:

The button is clicked by the user when the retrieval result list windowW12 is logged off.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the card image display window W13.

The thumbnail image in the thumbnail image area A22 in the retrievalresult list window W12 is clicked, so that the corresponding card imagedisplay window W13 is displayed, as described above. The card imagedisplay window W13 includes the following areas.

Card Image Display Area A31:

The area is one to display a card image which corresponds to thethumbnail image clicked by the user and has a size larger than thethumbnail image. Card image data suitable for display on the imageacquisition client device which has accessed the imageregistration/transmission server 10 is transmitted from the imageregistration/transmission server 10, so that the card image isdisplayed. When the card image displayed on the card image display areaA31 is clicked, an image display window corresponding to the card imageis displayed on the display screen of the display device 46 in thepersonal computer 31B constituting the image acquisition client device.

Card Image Information Display Area A32:

Information relating to the card image displayed on the card imagedisplay area A31 is displayed thereon. The title of the image, acategory including the image, a person who has transmitted the image, amemo on the image, and URL (Uniform Resource Locator) in a case wherethe image is directly accessed are displayed thereon.

Frame Return/Frame Feed Button A33:

The button includes a plural frames return button A33 a clicked when thecard image of a frame which is a plurality of frames preceding a frameincluding the card image displayed on the card image display area A31out of the images found by the retrieval is displayed on the card imagedisplay area A31, a frame return button A33 b clicked when the cardimage of the preceding frame is displayed on the card image display areaA31, a franle feed button A33 c clicked when the card image of thesucceeding frame is displayed on the card image display area A31, and aplural frame feed button A33 d clicked when the card image of a framewhich is a plurality of frames succeeding a frame including the cardimage is displayed on the card image display area A31.

Furthermore, the card image display window W13 includes a return buttonA24, a print order button A25, a help button A26, and a log-off buttonA27, similarly to the retrieval result list window W12.

As described in the foregoing, the card image displayed on the cardimage display area A31 is clicked, so that an image display window W14shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display screen of the displaydevice 46.

An image, suitable for display on the personal computer 31B, which isgenerated on the basis of the original image data transmitted to theimage registration/transmission server 10 is displayed on the imagedisplay window W14.

When the window W14 is small, an image which is not seen on the windowW14 can be seen by scrolling a scroll bar A41. Of course, the size ofthe window W14 itself may be enlarged.

When the image registration/transmission server 10 is accessed utilizingthe personal computer 31B, as described above, image data representingthe image suitable for the display on the personal computer 31B istransmitted from the image registration/transmission server 10.Moreover, instead of not generating the image data suitable for thedisplay on the personal computer 31B until the personal computer 31Baccesses the image registration/transmission server 10, image datasuitable for the personal computer 31B are previously generated, and theimage data suitable for the personal computer 31B out of the generatedimage data is transmitted to the personal computer 31B from the imageregistration/transmission server 10. Accordingly, the image can bequickly displayed.

FIGS. 22 to 24 illustrate, in a case where the image acquisition clientdevice which accesses the image registration/transmission server 10 isthe portable telephone set 32, an example of a window displayed on theportable telephone set 32.

FIG. 22 is an example of an initial window W21 displayed when the imageregistration/transmission server 10 is accessed using the portabletelephone set 32.

The initial window W21 includes the following areas.

Keyword Retrieval Area AS1:

A keyword for retrieving an image is entered thereinto. When an imageretrieval area under the keyword retrieval area ASI is designated by akey entry section of the portable telephone set 32, an image isretrieved by the entered keyword.

Group Retrieval Area A52:

A keyword relating to a category for retrieving an image is enteredthereinto.

When the area is pulled down, categories appear. The desired category isselected out of the categories which have appeared.

Registrant Log-in Area A53:

A handle name is entered thereinto when the imageregistration/transmission server I 0 is accessed for transmitting imagedata thereto.

Number-of-Orders Display Area A54:

The number of orders for prints of an image is displayed thereon.

Print Order Area AS5:

The area is designated by a user when prints of an image are ordered.

Service information display area A56:

The area is designated when information on an image service provided bythe image registration/transmission server I 0, description of theservice, questions and answers, and an inquiry about the image serviceare displayed.

HELP Area A57:

The area is designated when a method of utilizing the image service isnot found.

When a keyword is entered into the keyword retrieval area AS 1 in theinitial window W21, data representing the keyword is transmitted to theimage registration/transmission server 10 from the portable telephoneset 32.

In the image registration/transmission server 10, an image is retrievedby the transmitted keyword. Data representing the title of the imagefound as a result of the retrieval is transmitted to the portabletelephone set 32 from the image registration/transmission server 10.Consequently, a retrieval result display window W22 shown in FIG. 23 isdisplayed on the display screen of the display device 63 in the portabletelephone set 32.

The retrieval result display window W22 includes the following areas.

Number-of-Hits Display Area A61:

The number of images found as a result of the image retrieval isdisplayed thereon. A keyword used for the retrieval and a page numberindicating what number of all pages is a page on which the image havinga title displayed on the window W22 is found are also displayed.

Title Display Area A62:

The titles of the images found as a result of the image retrieval aredisplayed thereon. When any of the titles is designated, a windowincluding an image having the designated title is displayed on thedisplay screen of the portable telephone set 32.

Page Return/Page Feed Button Display Area A63:

The area includes, in a case where the title of the image found as aresult of the image retrieval is displayed over a plurality of pages, afirst page return button A63 a designated when the title of the image onthe first page is displayed on the title display area A62, a one pagereturn button A63 a designated when the title of the image on thepreceding page is displayed, a one page feed button A63 c designatedwhen the title of the image on the succeeding page is displayed, and alast page feed button A63 d designated when the title of the image onthe last page is displayed.

Return Area A.64:

The area is designated when the window is returned to the precedingwindow.

Print Order Area A.65:

The area is designated when prints of the image are ordered.

Page Designation Area A66:

The area includes, in a case where the title of the image found as aresult of the image retrieval is displayed over a plurality of pages,characters, i.e., “7. Forward”

5 designated when the title of the image on the preceding page isdisplayed, “Next” designated when the title of the image on thesucceeding page is displayed, “8. Top” designated when the top (first)page is displayed, “9. Last” designated when the last page is displayed,and “#Help” designated when a help information window is displayed.

FIG. 24 is an image window W23 displayed when “4. Hello” in the titledisplay area A62 in the window W22 shown in FIG. 23 is designated.

The image window W23 includes the following areas.

Image Display Area A71:

An image having a designated title is displayed thereon. When the titleis designated, as described above, data representing the designatedtitle is transmitted to the image registration/transmission server 10from the portable telephone set 32.

Consequently, the image database 25 is searched for image data havingthe title and suitable for display on the portable telephone set 32which has issued a transmission request in the above-mentioned manner.The image data searched for is transmitted to the portable telephone set32 from the image registration/transmission server 10. An image suitablefor the display on the portable telephone set 32 is displayed on thedisplay device 63 in the portable telephone set 32. Images which can bedisplayed on the portable telephone set 32 are generally limiteddepending on the type of the portable telephone set 32. However, datarepresenting the image suitable for the display on the portabletelephone set 32 is transmitted from the image registration/transmissionserver 10.

Frame Return/Frame Feed Button Area A72:

The area includes, in a case where a plurality of images are found as aresult of the retrieval, a button A 72 a designated when the first imageis displayed on the image display area A 72, a button A 72 b designatedwhen the image in the preceding frame is displayed on the image displayarea A 72, a button A 72 c designated when the image in the succeedingframe is displayed on the image display area A 72, and a button A 72 ddesignated when the last image is displayed on the image display area A72. Further, it also includes an area A 72 e indicating what number ofthe images found as a result of the retrieval is displayed on the imagedisplay area A 72.

Image Information Display Area A 73:

Information relating to the image displayed on the image display area A71 is displayed thereon. The title of the image, a category includingthe image, a handle name of a contributor of the image, and a memo onthe image are displayed thereon.

Return Area A 74:

The area is designated when the window is returned to the precedingwindow.

Number-of-Orders Designation Area A 75:

The number of orders is entered thereinto.

Print Order Area A76:

The area is for issuing a print order command

Page Designation Area A77:

The area includes, in a case where a plurality of images are found as aresult of the retrieval, characters, i.e., “7. Forward” designated whenthe image in the preceding frame is displayed on the image display areaA 71, “* Next” designated when the image in the succeeding frame isdisplayed, “9. Top” designated when the top (first) image is displayed,“9. Last” designated when the last image is displayed, and “#Help”designated when a help window is displayed, similarly to theabove-mentioned frame return/frame feed button A 72.

Even when the image acquisition client device which accesses the imageregistration/transmission server 10 is thus the portable telephone set32, the image database 25 is searched for image data suitable for thedisplay on the portable telephone set 32. The image data searched for istransmitted to the image acquisition client device from the imageregistration/transmission server 10. It will be easily understood thatwhen the image acquisition client device utilizes a printer, afacsimile, or the like, the image database 25 is searched for image datasuitable for printing in the printer, the facsimile, or the like, andthe image data searched for is transmitted to the image acquisitionclient device from the image registration/transmission server 10.

In either case, the image data corresponding to the type of the imageacquisition client device, for example, is previously stored in theimage database 25. Accordingly, the image data suitable for the imageacquisition client device can be quickly transmitted to the imageacquisition client device.

FIG. 25 illustrates another example of a support information tablestored in the hard disk for the image registration/transmission server10.

The support information table shown in FIG. 3 is used for such aoperation that when the image acquisition client device in which thesupport information indicates

“Presence” accesses the image registration/transmission server 10, imagedata suitable for display on the image acquisition client device istransmitted, and when the image acquisition client device in which thesupport information indicates “Absence” accesses the imageregistration/transmission server 10, data indicating non-support istransmitted but the image data is not transmitted to the imageacquisition client device. Unless the contents of the supportinformation table are rewritten, the data indicating non-support isreturned even if the image acquisition client device in which thesupport information indicates “Absence” accesses the imageregistration/transmission server 10 many times.

Contrary to this, in the following example, the number of times ofaccess of the image acquisition client device in which supportinformation indicates “Absence” to the image registration/transmissionserver 10 is counted, and the support information is changed from“Absence” to “Presence” when the counted number reaches not less than apredetermined number. When it is judged that an image acquisition clientdevice, which need not conceivably be supported at the beginning ofconstruction of the support information table, must be supported due tothe increase in the number of times of access, image data suitable forthe image acquisition client device is generated.

In the support information table shown in FIG. 25, the contents of thesupport information are changed, and request information is newly added,as compared with the support information table shown in FIG. 3.

As the support information, threshold information (for example, R200)represented by a letter “R” and a number in addition to “Presence” and“Absence” is defined. A number succeeding the letter R representing thethreshold information indicates a threshold value. When requests whosenumber exceed the threshold value are issued from the image acquisitionclient device, the support information for the image acquisition clientdevice is changed into “Presence”.

The request information represents the number of requests, that is, thenumber of times of access of the image acquisition client device inwhich the threshold information is defined in the support information tothe image registration/transmission server 10.

When the number of times of access exceeds the threshold, the supportinformation is switched into “Presence”, as described above.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the procedure for inlage acquisitionprocessing in the image registration/transmission server 10. Theprocessing corresponds to the processing in the server shown in FIG. 15.The same processing steps as the processing steps shown in FIG. 15 areassigned to the same reference numerals and hence, the descriptionthereof is not repeated.

It is confirmed whether or not support is provided while referring tothe support information in the support information table. When it isjudged that support is not provided (NO at step 134), it is furtherjudged whether or not support is not provided (the threshold informationis not described) (step 161).

If the answer is in the negative at both the steps 134 and 161, thethreshold information is stored in the support information, as describedabove. When access the number of times of which exceeds the thresholddefined by the threshold information is made, it is considered that thesupport information is changed into “Presence”.

Therefore, the number of requests of request information relating to acorresponding client code is incremented (rewritten) (step 162). Thethreshold information stored in the support information relating to thecorresponding client code is then acquired from the support informationtable (step 163).

It is confirmed whether or not the number of requests reaches not lessthan the threshold (step 164). When it reaches not less than thethreshold (YES at step 164), image data representing a display imagesuitable for display on the image acquisition client device isgenerated, as shown in FIG. 13 (steps 165, 166 and 167). Further, thesupport information is changed into “Presence” (step 168).

FIG. 27 illustrates the outline of an image registration systemaccording to another embodiment.

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, one imageregistration/transmission server 10 is utilized, two imageregistration/transmission servers 10 are utilized in the imageregistration system shown in FIG. 27.

The first image registration/transmission server 10A receives image datatransmitted from an image registration client device, as describedabove. The received image data is transmitted to the second imageregistration/transmission server 10B from the first imageregistration/transmission server 10A, and is stored in an image database25 by the second image registration/transmission server 10B.

When an image acquisition client device accesses the first imageregistration/transmission server 10A, the image database 25 is searchedfor image data suitable for display on the image acquisition clientdevice, as described above. The image data is transmitted to the imageacquisition client device from the second imageregistration/transmission server 10B. Further, data for displayingcharacters other than the image data is transmitted to the imageacquisition client device from the first image registration/transmissionserver 10A.

Thus, the character data may be transmitted to the image acquisitionclient device from the first image registration/transmission server 10A,and the image data may be transmitted to the image acquisition clientdevice from the second image registration/transmission server 10B.

FIG. 28 illustrates the outline of an image registration systemaccording to still another embodiment.

Also in the image registration system shown in FIG. 28, two imageregistration/transmission servers 10C and 10D are utilized.

Image data transmitted from an image registration client device isreceived by the first image registration/transmission server 10C. Thereceived image data is transmitted to the second imageregistration/transmission server 10D by the first imageregistration/transmission server 10C. The image data transmitted fromthe image registration client device is stored in an image database 25by the second image registration/transmission server 10D.

When the image acquisition client device accesses the first imageregistration/transmission server 10C, image data request data from theimage acquisition client device, for example, a keyword is fed to thesecond image registration/transmission server 10D. In the second imageregistration/transmission server 10D, the image database 25 is searched.Image data retrieved from the image database 25 is fed to the firstimage registration/transmission server 10C from the second imageregistration/transmission server 10D. The image data is transmitted tothe image acquisition client device by the first imageregistration/transmission server 10C.

Thus, the access of the image registration client device and the imageacquisition client device may utilize the first imageregistration/transmission server 10C, and the retrieval of the imagedata in the image database 25 may utilize the second imageregistration/transmission server 10D.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims

1.-15.
 16. A server comprising: a transceiver; and a processorconfigured to: receive, via the transceiver, a first image; generate aset of thumbnail images, each of the thumbnail images having a differentdata size and representing the first image in response to receiving thefirst image; store the first image and the set of thumbnail images;receive, via the transceiver, a request from a client device related tothe first image; if a thumbnail image having a data size correspondingto the request is included in the set of thumbnail images, transmit, viathe transceiver, one of the thumbnail images corresponding to the firstimage based on information included in the request to the client device,as a response to the request; and if a thumbnail image having a datasize corresponding to the request is not included in the set ofthumbnail images, generate another thumbnail image of the first imagehaving a data size different from the data sizes of thumbnail imagesincluded in the set, based on the information and transmit, via thetransceiver, the generated thumbnail image to the client device, as aresponse to the request.
 17. The server of claim 16, wherein the firstimage includes a photographed image.
 18. The server of claim 16, whereinthe server includes an image management server.
 19. The server of claim16, wherein the information included in the request includes informationrelated to a device type of the client device.
 20. The server of claim16, wherein the set of thumbnail images corresponding to the first imageare generated prior to receiving the request.
 21. The server of claim16, wherein the processor is further configured to: transmit, via thetransceiver, the one of the thumbnail images or the generated thumbnailimage with an identifier related to the first image to the clientdevice.
 22. The server of claim 16, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: determine whether the thumbnail image having the datasize corresponding to the request is included in the set of thumbnailimages based on information included in the request.
 23. The server ofclaim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: if thethumbnail image having the data size corresponding to the request isincluded in the set of thumbnail images, select one of the thumbnailimages corresponding to the first image based on information included inthe request.
 24. A method for operating a server, the method comprising:receiving, via a transceiver of the server, a first image; generating aset of thumbnail images, each of the thumbnail images having a differentdata size and representing the first image in response to receiving thefirst image; storing the first image and the set of thumbnail images;receiving, via the transceiver, a request from a client device relatedto the first image; if a thumbnail image having a data sizecorresponding to the request is included in the set of thumbnail images,transmitting, via the transceiver, one of the thumbnail imagescorresponding to the first image based on information included in therequest to the client device, as a response to the request; and if athumbnail image having a data size corresponding to the request is notincluded in the set of thumbnail images, generating another thumbnailimage of the first image having a data size different from the datasizes of thumbnail images included in the set, based on the informationand transmitting, via the transceiver, the generated thumbnail image tothe client device, as a response to the request.
 25. The method of claim24, wherein the first image includes a photographed image.
 26. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the server includes an image managementserver.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the information included inthe request includes information related to a device type of the clientdevice.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the set of thumbnail imagescorresponding to the first image are generated prior to receiving therequest.
 29. The method of claim 24, further comprising: transmitting,via the transceiver, the one of the thumbnail images or the generatedthumbnail image with an identifier related to the first image to theclient device.
 30. The method of claim 24, further comprising:determining whether the thumbnail image having the data sizecorresponding to the request is included in the set of thumbnail imagesbased on information included in the request.
 31. The method of claim24, further comprising: if the thumbnail image having the data sizecorresponding to the request is included in the set of thumbnail images,selecting one of the thumbnail images corresponding to the first imagebased on information included in the request.
 32. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause aprocessor to: receive, via a transceiver, a first image; generate a setof thumbnail images, each of the thumbnail images having a differentdata size and representing the first image in response to receiving thefirst image; store the first image and the set of thumbnail images;receive, via the transceiver, a request from a client device related tothe first image; if a thumbnail image having a data size correspondingto the request is included in the set of thumbnail images, transmit, viathe transceiver, one of the thumbnail images corresponding to the firstimage based on information included in the request to the client device,as a response to the request; and if a thumbnail image having a datasize corresponding to the request is not included in the set ofthumbnail images, generate another thumbnail image of the first imagehaving a data size different from the data sizes of thumbnail imagesincluded in the set, based on the information and transmit, via thetransceiver, the generated thumbnail image to the client device, as aresponse to the request.